Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As someone who has travelled across the Atlantic with Aer Lingus six times a year for the past 40 years, I understand the fear factor and the sentimental and emotional ties. However, in the big picture I see plenty of room for accelerated growth and global trade and employment. I would like to clarify why IAG identified Ireland as a natural hub. Would it bring other airlines in the group into Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports? I understand how capacity to the east and west coasts of the United States can be increased out of Ireland. What makes Ireland a natural hub? Is it due to the customs clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports and, if so, how would the increased capacity affect the services currently offered?

It is all about putting bums on seats. Mr. Kavanagh has indicated that Aer Lingus carried 11 million travellers in the last year.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has indicated that 7 million tourists will come to Ireland this year. Does Mr. Brogan have a forecast for the increases in the numbers of seats and tourists whose feet would be on the streets as a result of this takeover?